How William I Governed England Flashcards

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What powers did William I have as king that helped him govern England?

William I could make laws, control the army, decide on taxes, choose bishops and judges, and act as the final judge in important disputes.

What was the King’s Council (Curia Regis) in Norman England?

The King’s Council was a small group of leading barons and churchmen who advised William, helped him make laws, plan wars and run the kingdom.

How did William I rule England when he was in Normandy?

When in Normandy, William left regents such as Odo of Bayeux and William FitzOsbern to rule for him. They led armies, ran courts, collected taxes and followed his orders.

What was a royal writ and why was it important?

A royal writ was a short written order from the king, sealed with his seal. It told officials, such as sheriffs, what to do, so William could govern even when he was far away.

Who were the sheriffs and what were their main jobs under William I?

Sheriffs were the king’s chief officials in each shire. They carried out royal writs, collected geld tax, ran royal courts and raised soldiers when needed.

What were shire and hundred courts in Norman England?

Shire and hundred courts were local law courts. The shire court covered a whole county and the hundred court a smaller area. They dealt with crimes, land disputes and passed on the king’s orders.

How did William change the earldoms to help him govern England?

William made earldoms smaller and fewer in number, so no earl controlled a whole region. This reduced their power and made it easier for the king to stay in charge.

How did the feudal system help William I govern England?

Under the feudal system William gave land to tenants-in-chief in return for loyalty, tax and knights for his army. They had to enforce his orders on their lands, so royal control reached every area.

How did William I use the Church to help govern England?

William put loyal Normans, like Archbishop Lanfranc, in top Church posts. Bishops sat on the King’s Council, ran church courts and taught people to obey the king as God’s chosen ruler.

What was the Domesday Book and how did it help William govern?

The Domesday Book was a huge survey in 1085–86 that listed who owned land, animals and money in most of England. It helped William set taxes and settle land disputes.

What was the geld tax and why did William keep it?

The geld tax was a land tax first used by Anglo-Saxon kings. William kept it, and sometimes raised it, to get money for his army, castles and government.